Mackin to Direct Program Acquisitions at UKTV

LONDON: UKTV has appointed Catherine Mackin to the position of director of program acquisitions, taking up the new role on August 3.

Mackin will have overall responsibility for UKTV’s acquisition strategy across its portfolio of ten channels. She will also be managing the program supply relationships with BBC Worldwide and independent producers. Mackin will report to UKTV controller Matthew Littleford and executive director of commercial Keith Porritt. She joins from BBC Worldwide’s sales and distribution business, where she served as acting director of emerging markets for EMEA. Prior to joining the BBC’s commercial arm, Mackin was deputy director of programming at TV3 Ireland.

UKTV has just completed an ambitious rebrand of ten channels in 19 months.

Littleford commented: “I am absolutely delighted that Catherine is joining the team. Her wealth of experience in identifying and negotiating high-profile acquisitions with U.S. Studios, U.K. and international indies ensures UKTV will have the right caliber of content in an increasingly competitive marketplace.” 

Porritt added, “Catherine’s knowledge of the competitive and complex acquisition market and her proven track record in delivering high profile content deals that grow channels commercially and editorially means she is well placed to help futureproof our business.”

Mackin said, “I am thrilled to be joining UKTV at such an exciting time. The scope and possibilities of this role are a buyer’s dream. I’m really looking forward to working with Mathew and Keith and with UKTV’s very talented acquisitions team.”